WESTOVER — All of Somerset County’s public schools are observing National Bullying Month with classroom discussions, assemblies and peer-led initiatives to promote kindness and encourage students, staff and the community at large to stand up against bullying.

This annual campaign in October raises awareness about bullying prevention with Wednesday, Oct. 16 designated Unity Day — a day when everyone is encouraged to wear orange as a visual statement to show unity against bullying.

Superintendent Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell emphasized the importance of addressing bullying through education and proactive measures. She said, “Our commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students is a top priority.”

“We are proud to join in the national effort during Bullying Prevention Month, and we look forward to seeing our students and staff unite in orange on Unity Day.”

Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological and can significantly impact a victim’s self-esteem, attendance and academic performance. To promote positive behavior schools will:

• Host assemblies or classroom discussions on kindness, empathy, and respect;
• Provide resources and activities focused on online safety, helping students understand how to prevent and respond to cyberbullying; and
• Encourage students to participate in peer-led initiatives promoting inclusion, such as kindness challenges and school-wide pledge campaigns.

According to the Maryland Center for School Safety, incidents of bullying increase steadily through elementary school age students (ages 5-10) reaching a peak during the middle school years (ages 11-13) before beginning a decline in high school. Targeting bully prevention initiatives and strategies at home and school especially for 10-14 year old children is critical.

“Bullying prevention is not just a one-month effort,” Dr. Tasker-Mitchell said. “It’s part of our everyday culture of respect and kindness.”

On Oct. 16 students will participate in learning activities in the classroom such as poster-making contests and social media campaigns. Unity walks and other school-wide programs will be encouraged to foster a sense of community and belonging.

If you are a student, parent, guardian, school staff member or a bystander and witness bullying, harassment or intimidation occurring either in-person or online there is a way to report it with an online form you can submit for it to be investigated by SCPS. In the website somerset.k12.md.us click on the menu and scroll down under Student/Parents to the Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation Reporting Form https://www.somerset.k12.md.us/page/bullying-harassment-or-intimidation-reporting-form.

“Somerset County Public Schools is proud to join schools nationwide in observing National Bullying Prevention Month throughout the month of October,” said spokeswoman Victoria Green, and “Unity Day serves as a powerful reminder that bullying is a serious issue, and it takes everyone working together to create a welcoming school culture.”